'Human nature is good': Chinese man cycles his way across America
A Journey of Kindness: One Man’s Experiment on the Wide Open Roads of America
For over four months, Ye Shu, a philosopher from Shanghai, China, has been cycling across the United States, braving rain, rugged terrain, and uncertainty in a foreign land. His quest is not solely to take in the sights, but to prove a universal truth: that humanity is inherently good.
As he pedals through the heartland, Ye has discovered that the true test of human nature comes down to how a country responds to a hungry stranger just passing through. Armed with only a backpack, a bicycle, and a smile, he has been approaching random houses, knocking on doors, and asking for help.
The Power of a Smile
Ye’s biggest rule of the road is simple: no money, only goodwill. His approach is often met with skepticism, but his smile has a way of opening doors. "Sunshine, your smile is like sunshine," he says. "I mean, I see how you can get around the world very easily with your smile."
As he travels through the rolling hills and vast plains, Ye has encountered countless instances of kindness. From being offered a hot meal to receiving a warm bed for the night, he has been struck by the generosity of the American people. "I had a different perception of America before I came here," he admits. "But so many people have offered to help me without expecting anything in return. It’s really touched me."
Ye’s journey has taught him much about the character of Americans. "I feel like I got more out of it than he did," he says, referring to the many people who have helped him along the way. "I gave him a meal, and he gave me a huge lesson."
As he pedals across the country, Ye’s spirit is fueled by a sense of adventure and a desire to prove that kindness truly has no bounds. His inspiration comes from a young age, when he read Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. "I want to become a superior strong man, just like the old man," he says.
The Next Chapter
For Ye, this journey is just the beginning. After completing his ride across America, he plans to bike around Australia and Japan, eventually circling the world. His experiment in kindness will continue to unfold, as he tests the generosity of people from different cultures and backgrounds.
As the sun sets on another day of riding, Ye pauses to take in the view. "This is freedom," he says, gazing out at the vast expanse of the American landscape. "This is freedom."
